SWU publishes Quick Reference Guide – Political Terminologies

As social workers our working lives and our personal lives are regularly impacted by politics. But do you “get it” when friends and colleagues use political jargon to discuss these impacts on families and communities, or can it be a confusing minefield?

The Social Workers Union (SWU) motion at our 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM) emphasised the importance of promoting knowledge around political ideologies and terminology, particularly given the impact of politically driven change upon the individuals, families, and communities with which we work as social workers. 

As a result of this motion, SWU National Organiser Carol Reid had the task of consultation and creating SWU’s Quick Reference Guide – Political Terminologies to provide an easily readable breakdown of political jargon and phrases which social workers and social work students may hear in lots of conversations but may not always understand the meanings of. 

This Quick Reference Guide came about following conversations with social workers and social work students of all ages who said that they found it difficult keeping up with the meanings of political terms.  The Guide also incorporated feedback and ideas from social workers’ suggestions for content.

Carol Reid, SWU National Organiser and Union Contact Manager, said:

 “As a firm believer that ‘knowledge is power’ I am particularly pleased to have played a part in creating this Quick Reference Guide and hope it is of use to anyone who takes a look at it.”

John McGowan, SWU General Secretary, commented:

“This is a great beginning to an important conversation about political terminologies.  I enjoyed being part of the consultation for this document and hopefully it is part of an ongoing discussion and, ultimately, for us to engage further.”